Array substrate and display device having the same

ABSTRACT

An array substrate includes a lower substrate, a switching element and a pixel electrode. In the lower substrate, unit pixel areas are each divided into a plurality of domains. The switching element is disposed on the lower substrate and transmits a pixel signal. The pixel electrode is disposed on the unit pixel area and is electrically connected to the switching element. The pixel electrode includes a plurality of slit portions disposed thereon. A portion of the slit portions is longitudinally extended in a zigzag shape along different directions in correspondence with the domains.

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No.2008-131915, filed on Dec. 23, 2008, and all the benefits accruingtherefrom under 35 U.S.C. §119, the contents of which are hereinincorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to an arraysubstrate and a display device including the array substrate. Moreparticularly, exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate toan array substrate in which a plurality of slits is formed on anelectrode to control liquid crystal molecules, and a display deviceincluding the array substrate.

2. Description of the Related Art

Liquid crystal display (“LCD”) devices are one of the most widely usedtypes of flat panel display devices. An LCD device includes two displaysubstrates including electric field generating electrodes such as apixel electrode, a common electrode, etc. and a liquid crystal layerinterposed between the two display substrates. When a voltage is appliedto the electric field generating electrodes, the electric fieldgenerating electrodes generate an electric field in the liquid crystallayer. The electric field determines the alignment of liquid crystalmolecules of the liquid crystal layer, and controls polarized light ofincident light to display images.

In a state in which the electric field is not applied, the LCD device ofa vertical alignment (“VA”) mode arranges the liquid crystal moleculesso that long axes of the liquid crystal molecules are substantiallyperpendicular to the upper and lower display substrates. This method isreceiving attention because the contrast ratio of the LCD device of theVA mode is relatively large. In addition, the LCD device of a patternedvertical alignment (“PVA”) mode forming a slit portion on the electricfield generating electrode of the LCD device of the VA mode to obtain awide viewing angle has been developed.

In order to reduce the number of the slit portions, which are inhibitingfactors in improving an aperture ratio, a micro-slit mode or a supervertical alignment (“SVA”) mode has been developed. In the micro-slitmode, a micro-slit is formed only on a lower electrode of the electricfield generating electrodes to allow the liquid crystal to havedirectionality, and the slit portions are not formed on the upperelectrode, which is a flat substrate.

However, since controlling the liquid crystal molecules in the LCDdevices of the SVA mode and the PVA mode is not uniform, the LCD devicesof the SVA mode and the PVA mode may need to have improved sidevisibility.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide an arraysubstrate adjusting the control efficiency of liquid crystal moleculesaccording to a gray scale to improve side visibility thereof.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention also provide a displaydevice having the above-mentioned array substrate.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an array substrateincludes a lower substrate, a switching element and a pixel electrode.In the lower substrate, unit pixel areas each divided into a pluralityof domains are defined. The switching element is disposed on the lowersubstrate to transmit a pixel signal. The pixel electrode is disposed onthe unit pixel area and electrically connected to the switching element.The pixel electrode includes a plurality of a slit portion disposedthereon. A portion of each of the slit portions is longitudinallyextended in a zigzag shape along different directions in correspondencewith the domains.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an array substrateincludes a lower substrate, a switching element and a pixel electrode.In the lower substrate, unit pixel areas each divided into a pluralityof domains are defined. The switching element is disposed on the lowersubstrate to transmit a pixel signal. The pixel electrode is disposed onthe unit pixel area. The pixel electrode includes a first supportelectrode part extended along a boundary between the domains, aplurality of first slit portions extended in different directions withrespect to each of the domains and disposed continuous with the firstsupport electrode, and a plurality of second slit portions disposedbetween the first slit portions. An end of the second slit portions isdisposed separated from the first support electrode part.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an array substrateincludes a lower substrate, a switching element, first pixel electrodesand second pixel electrodes. In the lower substrate, unit pixel areaseach divided into a main pixel area and a sub-pixel area are defined.The switching element is disposed on the lower substrate to transmit apixel signal. The first pixel electrode is disposed on the main pixelarea, and includes a plurality of first slit portions extended indifferent directions according to each of the domains, the first slitportions each making a first angle with respect to width direction ofthe unit pixel area. A size of a lower domain of the first pixelelectrode and a size of an upper domain of the first pixel electrodeadjacent to the sub-pixel area are different from each other. The secondpixel electrode is disposed on the sub-pixel area, the second pixelelectrode includes a plurality of slit portions extended in differentdirections from each other and making a second angle with respect to thewidth direction.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a display deviceincludes an array substrate, an opposite substrate and a liquid crystallayer. The array substrate includes a pixel electrode symmetricallydisposed with respect to a center line substantially parallel to a firstdirection. The pixel electrode includes a plurality of first slitsdisposed thereon making a first acute angle greater than or equal toabout 45 degrees with respect to the center line. The opposite substrateincludes a common electrode facing the pixel electrode. The commonelectrode includes a plurality of second slits disposed thereon andmaking a second acute angle greater than or equal to about 45 degreeswith respect to the center line. The second slits are disposed betweenthe first slits. The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the arraysubstrate and the opposite substrate. A distance between adjacent firstand second slits disposed at both of opposing sides of the center linein a plan view of the display device, varies in a direction from an areaadjacent to the center line towards ends of the first and second slits.

In an exemplary embodiment of an array substrate and a display deviceincluding the array substrate, a third efficiency of the liquid crystalin a low gray scale and a second efficiency of the liquid crystal in amedium gray scale may be reduced, so that side visibility of the displaydevice may be improved. Advantageously, the display quality of a displaydevice may be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and advantages of the present inventionwill become more apparent by describing in detailed exemplaryembodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a unit pixel of an array substrateaccording to Exemplary Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ in a displaydevice including the array substrate of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a plan view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a pixelelectrode of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a detailed view illustrating a pitch of a zigzag portion ofFIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a pixelelectrode of the display device having a chevron structure;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary embodiment of a voltage-transmittance graph forthe display device as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the display devicehaving the chevron structure as shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary embodiment of a gray scale-transmittance graph inwhich the graph of FIG. 5 is converted to a standardized gray scale.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing an exemplary embodiment of a second efficiencyand a third efficiency observed in the display device as shown in FIGS.1 and 2, and the display device as shown in FIG. 4 at a front surfacethereof;

FIG. 8 is a graph showing an exemplary embodiment of a second efficiencyand a third efficiency observed in the display device of FIGS. 1 and 2and the display device described with reference to FIG. 4 at an angle ofabout 60 degrees to the right;

FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a pixel electrode of an arraysubstrate according to Exemplary Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a pixel electrode of an arraysubstrate according to Exemplary Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating a pixel electrode of an arraysubstrate according to Exemplary Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

FIG. 12A is an exemplary embodiment of an enlarged plan viewillustrating an outer portion area of the pixel electrode of FIG. 11;

FIGS. 12B to 12D are enlarged plan views illustrating alternativeexemplary embodiments of opening portions of a pixel electrode;

FIG. 13 is a graph showing an exemplary embodiment of a secondefficiency in the display device including the pixel electrode of FIG.11 and the display device of FIG. 4;

FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating a pixel electrode of an arraysubstrate according to Exemplary Embodiment 5 of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating a pixel electrode of an arraysubstrate according to Exemplary Embodiment 6 of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a plan view illustrating a pixel electrode of an arraysubstrate according to Exemplary Embodiment 7 of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a plan view illustrating a pixel of an array substrateaccording to Exemplary Embodiment 8 of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of directionsof liquid crystal molecules and the size of domains in a main pixel areaof FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is an exemplary embodiment of a gray scale-transmittance graphin accordance with a direction of observing the main pixel area of FIG.18;

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of directionsof liquid crystal molecules in the main pixel area of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is an exemplary embodiment of a gray scale-transmittance graphin accordance with a direction of observing the main pixel area of FIG.20;

FIG. 22 is a graph showing an exemplary embodiment of a visibility indexwhen the pixel of FIG. 17 is observed at each azimuth angle at a viewingangle of about 60 degrees; and

FIG. 23 is a plan view illustrating a pixel of the display deviceaccording to Exemplary Embodiment 9 of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is described more fully hereinafter with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention are shown. The present invention may, however, beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplaryembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete, and will fully convey the scope of the present invention tothose skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes and relative sizesof layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on” or “connected to” another element or layer, it can bedirectly on or connected to the other element or layer or interveningelements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element isreferred to as being “directly on” or “directly connected to” anotherelement or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present.Like numerals refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, theterm “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third,etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components,regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions,layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These termsare only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer orsection from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element,component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed asecond element, component, region, layer or section without departingfrom the teachings of the present invention.

Spatially relative terms, such as “lower,” “upper” and the like, may beused herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature'srelationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in thefigures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms areintended to encompass different orientations of the device in use oroperation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. Forexample, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements describedas “lower” with respect to other elements or features would then beoriented “upper” with respect to the other elements or features. Thus,the exemplary term “lower” can encompass both an orientation of aboveand below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees orat other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors usedherein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of thepresent invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and“the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless thecontext clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood thatthe terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in thisspecification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described herein withreference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematicillustrations of idealized exemplary embodiments (and intermediatestructures) of the present invention. As such, variations from theshapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturingtechniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, exemplaryembodiments of the present invention should not be construed as limitedto the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are toinclude deviations in shapes that result, for example, frommanufacturing. For example, an implanted region illustrated as arectangle will, typically, have rounded or curved features and/or agradient of implant concentration at its edges rather than a binarychange from implanted to non-implanted region. Likewise, a buried regionformed by implantation may result in some implantation in the regionbetween the buried region and the surface through which the implantationtakes place. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematicin nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actualshape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe present invention.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art andwill not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unlessexpressly so defined herein.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings.

Exemplary Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a unit pixel of an array substrateaccording to Exemplary Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 isa cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ in a display deviceincluding the array substrate of FIG. 1.

Referring FIGS. 1 and 2, various technologies have been applied to aliquid crystal display (“LCD”) device 100 for improving display quality.In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a plurality of pixel electrode,such as pixel electrodes 160 and 170, to which pixel voltages havingdifferent levels from each other are applied, are disposed in each of aunit pixel area of the LCD device 100. In the plan view, the unit pixelarea is divided into an upper sub-pixel area and a lower main pixelarea. The pixel electrode 160 disposed in the main pixel area refers toa main pixel electrode (which is referred to as a first pixel electrode)160 and the pixel electrode 170 disposed in the sub-pixel area refers toa sub-pixel electrode (which is referred to as a second pixel electrode)170, respectively.

In addition, a plurality of a micro slit portion, such as micro slitportions 165 and 175, are disposed on the first pixel electrode 160 andthe second pixel electrode 170, respectively, for varying an alignmentdirection of liquid crystal molecules to improve a viewing angle.

A display device 100 according to Exemplary Embodiment 1 includes anarray substrate 101, an opposite substrate 201 and a liquid crystallayer 103 interposed between the array substrate 101 and the oppositesubstrate 201.

The array substrate 101 may include a lower substrate 110, a pluralityof a gate line 111, a plurality of a storage line 118, a gate insulationfilm 121, an active layer 125, a plurality of a data line 131, a firstswitching element TFT01, a second switching element TFT02, a passivationfilm 151, an organic insulation film 153, a plurality of a first pixelelectrode 160, a plurality of a second pixel electrode 170 and a loweralignment film 181. The array substrate 101 is provided as an exemplaryembodiment, however the array substrate 101 may be alternated withcertain substrates including the micro-slit portion (which is referredto as the slit portion) on the pixel electrode.

In an exemplary embodiment of a method of forming an array substrate, agate metal is deposited on the lower substrate 110 including glass orplastic material, to be etched and form the gate lines 111 and/or thestorage line 118. The gate lines 111 are longitudinally extended n aline formed in a substantially width direction (which is referred to asa first direction) D01 of the unit pixel area. The storage line 118 isdisposed along a boundary between the main pixel area and the sub-pixelarea. The storage line 118 is longitudinally extended substantiallyparallel with the gate line 111, such as in the first direction D01. Thestorage line 118 may be disposed between adjacent gate lines 111, in theplan view of the unit pixel area.

The storage line 118 may include storage electrode protruding portionslongitudinally extended substantially parallel to a second directionD02, which is inclined with respect to the first direction D01, such assubstantially perpendicular with the first direction D01. The storageelectrode protruding portions are disposed extending adjacent to an edgeof the main pixel area, such as being directly adjacent to a data line131. The storage electrode protruding portions are continuous with amain portion of the storage line 118 longitudinally extending in thefirst direction D01. Referring to FIG. 2, the gate insulation film 121covering (e.g., overlapping) the gate lines 111 and the storage lines118 is disposed on the lower substrate 110. In the illustratedembodiment, the gate insulation film 121 may be disposed on an entire ofthe lower substrate 110.

In an exemplary embodiment of a method of forming an array substrate, asemiconductor layer and a source metal layer are sequentially formed onthe gate insulation film 121, to be etched, so that the data lines 131,a source electrode 132, a channel layer 125 and a drain electrode 135are formed, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The data lines 131 aresubstantially longitudinally extended in the height direction (which isreferred to as the second direction) D02 of the unit pixel area andsubstantially vertical (e.g., perpendicular) with the first directionD01. The source electrode 132 protrudes from the longitudinally extendedportion of the data line 131, and is disposed continuous with the dataline 131 as illustrated in FIG. 1.

The gate lines 111 are disposed crossing with the data lines 131 todefine a substantially rectangular area in the plan view. In theillustrated embodiment, both the first pixel electrode 160 and thesecond pixel electrode 170 are disposed in the rectangular area. In anexemplary embodiment, the rectangular area may be considered as definingthe unit pixel area, but the present invention is not limited thereto.Alternatively, a shape of the unit pixel area in the plan view may bechanged in various forms of Z shape, a V-shape etc., and the unit pixelarea may correspond to color filters of an opposing substrate. Inexemplary embodiments, a unit pixel area may be broadly defined as anindependent are unit capable of independently controlling liquidcrystal.

The first switching element TFT01 and the second switching element TFT02may be defined as an element including three terminals. In theillustrated embodiment, the first switching element TFT01 includes agate electrode 112, the gate insulation film 121, the channel layer 125,the source electrode 132 and the drain electrode 135. Similarly, thesecond switching element TFT02 includes a gate electrode 114, the gateinsulation film 121, the channel layer 125, a source electrode 134 and adrain electrode 137. The gate electrodes 112 and 114 are disposedcontinuous with a single gate line 111. The source electrode 134protrudes from the longitudinally extended portion of the data line 131,and is disposed continuous with the data line 131 as illustrated inFIG. 1. Both the first switching element TFT01 and the second switchingelement TFT02 are disposed between adjacent data lines 131 in the planview, and between a gate line 111 and a storage line 118 adjacent toeach other.

The passivation film 151 is disposed covering (e.g., overlapping) thedata line 131, and the organic insulation film 153 is disposed on thepassivation film 151, such that the passivation film 151 is disposedbetween the organic insulation film 153 and the lower substrate 110. Acontact hole exposing a portion of the drain electrode 135 is disposedextending through both the organic insulation film 153 and thepassivation film 151. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, theorganic insulation film 153 may be omitted.

FIG. 3A is a plan view illustrating a pixel electrode of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, in an exemplary embodiment of a method offorming an array substrate, a transparent conductive material layer suchas indium tin oxide (“ITO”) or indium zinc oxide (“IZO”) isvapor-deposited directly on the organic insulation film 153. Theconductive material layer directly contacts the drain electrode 135through the contact hole. The conductive material layer is etched, sothat the first pixel electrode 160 and the second pixel electrode 170are formed, such that the first pixel electrode 160 and the second pixelelectrode 170 are physically and electrically connected to a drainelectrode, respectively.

To define a plurality of domains, the first pixel electrode 160 and thesecond pixel electrode 170 include support electrode parts 162 and 172,and the micro slit portions 165 and 175, respectively.

The support electrode parts 162 and 172 are disposed to have asubstantially cross shape in the first direction D01 and the seconddirection D02, in the plan view. Each of the support electrode parts 162and 172 includes a first portion longitudinally extended substantiallyparallel to the first direction D01 and a second portion longitudinallyextended substantially parallel to the second direction D02. The microslit portions 165 and 175 are respectively longitudinally extendedsubstantially in a first oblique line direction DO0, and substantiallyin a second oblique line direction D04, respectively. The first obliquedirection D03 and D04 may each be inclined at about 45 degrees from thesupport electrode parts 162 and 172 which extend substantially parallelto the first direction D01 and the second direction D02 respectively. Inalternative exemplary embodiments, the longitudinal extensionsdirections of the slit portions 165 and 175 may be differently arrangedaccording to each of the domains. The support electrode parts 162 and172 and the slit portions 165 and 175 of the first pixel electrode 160and the second pixel electrode 170 will be described in detail below.

Referring to FIG. 2, in an exemplary embodiment of a method of formingan array substrate, the lower alignment film 181 covering (e.g.,overlapping) the first pixel electrode 160 and the second pixelelectrode 170 is formed. In one exemplary embodiment, a photoreactivepolymer of a cinnamate group and a blend of polymers of a polyimidegroup are spread and hardened on the first pixel electrode 160 and thesecond pixel electrode 170, so that the lower alignment film 181 may beformed.

When an electric field is applied, long axes of liquid crystal moleculesin the liquid crystal layer 103 are arranged substantially in anextending direction of the slit portions 165 and 175. As a result, thealignment directions of the liquid crystal are different from each otherin the plurality of domains, so that the viewing angle of the displaydevice 100 may be advantageously improved.

A lower polarized substrate (not shown) may be attached on a rearsurface of the lower substrate 110. Referring to FIG. 2, the rearsurface may of the lower substrate 110 may be the lowermost surface ofthe display device 100. The slit portions 165 and 175 of the first pixelelectrode 160 and the second pixel electrode 170 may be longitudinallyextended in the directions inclined about 45 degrees or 135 degrees froma lower polarized axis of the lower polarized substrate, such as, thefirst oblique line direction D03 and the second oblique direction D04.

The opposite substrate 201 may include an upper substrate 210, alight-blocking pattern 221, a color filter pattern 231, an overcoatlayer 241, a common electrode 251 and an upper alignment film 261.

The light-blocking pattern 221 is disposed on the upper substrate 210with correspondence to the gate line 111, the data line 131, the firstswitching element TFT01, the second switching element TFT02 and thestorage line 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the light-blockingpattern 221 overlaps the gate line 111, the data line 131, the firstswitching element TFT01, the second switching element TFT02 and thestorage line 118. The color filter pattern 231 is disposed in portionsof the unit pixel area in which light is not blocked, such as portionsof the unit pixel area except for or excluding the light-blockingpattern 221.

In an exemplary embodiment, the color filter pattern 231 may include, ared filter, a green filter and a blue filter. The red filter, the greenfilter and the blue filter may be sequentially disposed withcorrespondence to each of the unit pixel areas in the first directionD01.

The overcoat layer 241 covers (e.g., overlaps) the color filter pattern231 and the light-blocking pattern 221, and may be disposed overlappingsubstantially an entire of the upper substrate 210. The common electrode251 may include the same material as the first pixel electrode 160 andthe second pixel electrode 170. The common electrode 251 is disposed onthe overcoat layer 241. In the illustrated embodiment, slit portions,otherwise referred to as incision parts are not disposed on the commonelectrode 251 corresponding to the unit pixel area, so that the commonelectrode 251 may be a substantially flat (e.g., planar) member, havingsubstantially continuous planar upper and lower surfaces.

As described in exemplary Embodiment 1, the liquid crystal cell type,where the first pixel electrode 160 and the second pixel electrode 170include the slit portions 165 and 175, and the common electrode 251 doesnot include any slit portions as described above, refers to a supervertical alignment (“SVA”) mode.

The upper alignment film 261 includes the same material as the loweralignment film 181, and is disposed on the common electrode 251. Theupper alignment film 261 defines a lowermost layer of the oppositesubstrate 201, where the lower alignment film 181 defines an uppermostlayer of the array substrate 101, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

The upper polarized substrate (not shown) may be attached on anuppermost surface of the opposite substrate 201, such as an outersurface of the upper substrate 210, and a polarized axis of the upperpolarized substrate may be substantially perpendicularly disposed to thepolarized axis of the lower polarized substrate.

The liquid crystal layer 103 may be aligned in a direction which thelong axis direction (which is referred to as a director of the liquidcrystal) of the liquid crystal crosses at right angle to the arraysubstrate 101 and the opposite substrate 201, before the electric fieldis applied by the first pixel electrode 160 and the second pixelelectrode 170 and the common electrode 251.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3A again, in exemplary Embodiment 1, the microslit portions 165 and 175 include first portions which arelongitudinally extended in a zigzag shape in areas A01 and A02, whichradiate from center portions of the support electrode part 162 and 172,respectively, of the cross shape. The areas A01 and A02 are indicated inFIG. 3A by a broken circle. A center of each of the areas A01 and A02aligns with an area where the first and second portions of the supportelectrode part 162 and 172 cross each other, respectively. An outerboundary of the areas A01 and A02 does not extend to an outer boundaryof the first pixel electrode 160 and the second pixel electrode 170,respectively. The outer boundary of the areas A01 and A02 is disposedspaced apart from the outer boundary of the first pixel electrode 160and the second pixel electrode 170, respectively.

In the plan view, remaining second portions of the micro slit portions165 and 175 disposed in areas of the first pixel electrode 160 and thesecond pixel electrode 170 excluding areas A01 and A02, are extended toan outer portion (e.g., outer boundary) of the unit pixel areas in asubstantially straight line (e.g., linearly shaped). The first portionsof the micro slit portions 165 and 175 extended in the zigzag shape areindicated as zigzag portions 164 and 174, and second portions of themicro slit portions 165 and 175 extended substantially linearly aredefined as straight line portions 166 and 176 of the first pixelelectrode 160 and the second pixel electrode 170, respectively. Thefirst (zigzag) and the second (linear) portions of each of the firstpixel electrode 160 and the second pixel electrode 170, are disposedcontinuous with each other, such that the first pixel electrode 160 andthe second pixel electrode 170 are each a single, continuous andindivisible member. A first end of the micro slit portions 165 and 175may originate at the support electrode part 162 and 172, while a second(distal) end is disposed near the boundary of the first pixel electrode160 and the second pixel electrode 170, respectively.

Each zigzag portion 164 and 174 of the micro slit portions 165 and 175bends at least once in the longitudinal direction of the micro slitportions 165 and 175, and within respective area A01 and A02. In theillustrated exemplary embodiment, the zigzag portions 164 and 174 of themicro slit portions 165 and 175 may bend in areas A01 and A02 from oneto four times between the support electrode part 162 and 172, and abeginning of the straight line portions 166 and 176 of the micro slitportions 165 and 175. Sub-portions of the zigzag portions 164 and 174respectively disposed between the first end of micro slit portions 165and 175, and between bending points along the micro slit portions 165and 175, are extended substantially linearly.

FIG. 3B is a detailed view illustrating a pitch of a zigzag portion ofFIG. 3A.

Referring FIG. 1 to FIG. 3B, A pitch which corresponds a one ‘/’ or aone ‘reverse /’ of a plurality of ‘V’s included the zigzag portions 164and 174, may be in a range of about 10 micrometers (μm) to about 20micrometers (μm). The pitch may be suitably changed outside the rangeaccording to the size of the pixel, or the unit pixel area. The zigzagportions 164 and 174 are extended in the zigzag shape in the plan view,and in a direction of about 45 degrees or about 135 degrees from thelower polarized axis of the lower polarized substrate, while the zigzagportions 164 and 174 are bent in about +15 degrees Φ1 to about −15degrees Φ2 to the first oblique direction D03 and the second obliquedirection D04. A bending angle of the zigzag portions 164 and 174 may besuitably changed outside of the range according to the size of thepixel.

The zigzag portions 164 and 174 control a third efficiency of the liquidcrystal described later. The third efficiency refers to arranging thedirector of the liquid crystal in a direction of about 45 degrees orabout 135 degrees from the polarized axis by the electric field appliedby the first pixel electrode 160 and the second pixel electrode 170, andthe common electrode 251.

In exemplary Embodiment 1, when the LCD device is driven with arelatively low voltage, the third efficiency of the liquid crystalmolecules is reduced by the zigzag portions 164 and 174. In addition,when a relatively high voltage is applied to the first pixel electrode160 and the second pixel electrode 170, all the liquid crystal moleculesabove (e.g., disposed overlapping) the straight line portions 166 and176 and the zigzag portions 164 and 174, are arranged in a direction ofabout 45 degrees or about 135 degrees from the polarized axis, that is,an extended direction of the slit portions 165 and 175, due to theelectric field effect. While there is essentially no reducing effect ofthe transmittance, the third efficiency of the liquid crystal, in thelow voltage driving and the high voltage driving, may be controlled.

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a pixelelectrode of a display device 400 having a chevron structure.

An array substrate of the display device 400 may include a lowersubstrate, a plurality of a gate line 411, a plurality of a storage line418, a gate insulation film, an active layer, a plurality of a data line431, a first switching element TFT01, a second switching element TFT02.A light-blocking pattern 521 may be disposed on an upper substratefacing the lower substrate, and overlapping the gate lines 411, the datalines 431, the first switching element TFT01, the second switchingelement TFT02 and the storage line 418.

The first switching element TFT01 and the second switching element TFT02may be defined as an element including three terminals. In theillustrated embodiment, the first switching element TFT01 includes agate electrode 412, the gate insulation film, the channel layer, asource electrode 432 and a drain electrode 435. Similarly, the secondswitching element TFT02 includes a gate electrode 414, the gateinsulation film, the channel layer, a source electrode 434 and a drainelectrode 437. The gate electrodes 412 and 414 are disposed continuouswith a single gate line 411. The source electrodes 432 and 434 eachprotrude from a longitudinally extended portion of a data line 431, andare disposed continuous with the data line 431 as illustrated in FIG. 4.Both the first switching element TFT01 and the second switching elementTFT02 are disposed between adjacent data lines 431 in the plan view, andbetween a gate line 411 and a storage line 418 adjacent to each other.

Referring to FIG. 4, first slits 470 are disposed in directions beingabout 45 degrees or about 135 degrees from the first direction D01 andthe second direction D02, such as the first oblique line direction D03and the second oblique line direction D04 on a pixel electrode 460 inthe chevron display device 400. The first slits 470 are disposed so thattop and bottom portions of the unit pixel area are substantiallysymmetrical to each other with respect to the center line of the firstdirection D01, in the plan view. The pixel electrode 460 is divided intoa high pixel and a low pixel by the first slits 470. Such a structurerefers to a super patterned vertical alignment (“S-PVA”) mode. The highpixel has a substantially V-shape.

Second slits 551 positioned between the first slits 470 are disposedextending in the first oblique line direction D03 or the second obliquedirection D04 in the common electrode. Edges of the second slits 551 mayinclude notches 553 disposed therein, to extend from the edge into abody of the common electrode, or from the edge outwardly. In exemplaryembodiments, the chevron display device 400 has superior sidevisibility.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary embodiment of a voltage-transmittance graph forthe display device as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the display devicehaving the chevron structure as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is an exemplaryembodiment of a gray scale-transmittance graph in which the graph ofFIG. 5 is converted to a standardized gray scale.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, the horizontal axis of the graph represents thevoltage applied to the first pixel electrode 160 and the second pixelelectrode 170 (FIGS. 1 and 2) and the pixel electrode 460 of the chevrondisplay device 400 (FIG. 4) and the gray scale corresponding to thevoltage. The vertical axis of the graph represents the transmittance ofthe pixel.

In FIG. 5, curve G11 is a V-T result from observing in front of thedisplay device 100 (e.g., a viewing side) of the SVA mode of exemplaryEmbodiment 1, and curve G12 is a V-T result from observing at a viewingangle of about 60 degrees to the right of the SVA mode of exemplaryEmbodiment 1. Curve G13 is a V-T result from observing a display device,including the slit portions which are shaped only as a straight line,(e.g., no zigzag portions 164 and 174 of exemplary Embodiment 1), at aviewing angle of about 60 degrees to the right. The display deviceincluding the slit portions which are only shaped as the straight line,not the zigzag portions 164 and 174 (as in exemplary Embodiment 1) isdefined as a display device of a straight line type or a straight lineSVA mode. Curve G21 is a V-T result from observing in front of thedisplay device 400 of the S-PVA mode shown in FIG. 4, and curve G22 is aV-T result from observing the display device 400 of the S-PVA mode at aviewing angle of 60 degrees to the right.

In FIG. 6, curves G31, G32 and G33 represent a gray scale transmittance(G-T) result when viewed from the front, a G-T result at a viewing angleof about 60 degrees to the right and a G-T result at a viewing angle ofabout 60 degrees to the right of a straight line type SVA mode,according to exemplary Embodiment 1. In addition, curve G41 and G42represent a G-T result when viewed from the front and a G-T result at aviewing angle of about 60 degrees to the right, according to the chevrondisplay device 400.

Referring to FIG. 5, in the SVA mode according to exemplary Embodiment1, the transmittance is largely improved, comparing to the transmittanceof the S-PVA mode described in FIG. 4. Alternatively, in the S-PVA mode,namely, the chevron structure, the V-T curves of the front and the rightsimilarly increase. However, in the straight SVA mode, the V-T curves ofthe front and the side illustrate a reversal at about 3.8 V.

Referring to FIG. 6, in the straight line shape SVA mode, the side gammais greater in the low gray scale, and a side reversal to front is foundin the high gray scale more than 50 gray scale, in comparison to theS-PVA mode (namely, the chevron structure).

Accordingly, in the straight line shape SVA mode, it can be seen thatthe visibility is reduced in comparison to the S-PVA mode. However, inthe display device 100 of exemplary Embodiment 1, the reversaldisappears in the V-T curves of the front and the side due to the zigzagportion 164 and 174, so that the visibility index may be advantageouslyimproved.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing an exemplary embodiment of a second efficiencyand a third efficiency observed in the display device as shown in FIGS.1 and 2, and the display device 400 as shown in FIG. 4 at a frontsurface thereof. FIG. 8 is a graph showing an exemplary embodiment of asecond efficiency and a third efficiency observed in the display deviceof FIGS. 1 and 2 and the display device 400 described with reference toFIG. 4, at an angle of 60 degrees to the right.

In FIG. 7, curves G51 and G52 illustrate second and third efficiencyresults according to the gray scale of the front of the SVA mode ofexemplary Embodiment 1, curve G53 illustrates the third efficiencyresult of the front of the straight line shape SVA mode, and curves G61and G62 illustrate second and third efficiency results of the front ofthe chevron display device 400.

In FIG. 8, curves G71 and G72 illustrate second and third efficiencyresults according to the gray scale of the viewing angle when viewed atan angle of 60 degrees to the right the SVA mode of exemplary Embodiment1, curve G73 illustrates the third efficiency result when viewed at anangle of 60 degrees to the right of the straight line shape SVA mode,and curves G81 and G82 illustrate second and third efficiency resultswhen viewed at an angle of 60 degrees to the right of the chevrondisplay device 400.

Referring to FIG. 7, it can be seen that an increased slope of thesecond efficiency of the SVA mode of exemplary Embodiment 1 isrelatively rapid and high in comparison to the chevron display device400. However, it can be seen that there is a negligible differencereferring to the third efficiency in the straight line mode and thechevron mode. In the straight line shape SVA mode, the third efficiencyincreases very rapidly in the low gray scale, and an increasing rate isvery small in above the medium gray scale.

In exemplary embodiments, it is preferable that the increasing rate ofthe third efficiency referring to the gray scale is substantiallyconstant in a visibility view. Accordingly, it is preferable that thecurve of the third efficiency is reduced in the low gray scale, in thestraight SVA mode. In the illustrated embodiments, the third efficiencyis reduced due to the zigzag portions 164 and 174 in the low gray scale,in the SVA mode of exemplary Embodiment 1 as described above. The slopeof the curve of the third efficiency of exemplary Embodiment 1 iscomparatively constant, on the whole. Advantageously, the visibility ofthe display device 100 of exemplary Embodiment 1 may be improved.

Referring to FIG. 8, in the curves of the second efficiency and thethird efficiency for gray scales when viewed at an angle of 60 degreesto the right, the slope of the second efficiency of the SVA mode displaydevice 100 of exemplary Embodiment 1 similarly increases with the slopeof the front. In addition, an inflection point is formed above about 55gray scale. In the third efficiency for gray scales when viewed at anangle of 60 degrees to the right, the curve of the third efficiency inthe SVA mode of exemplary Embodiment 1 is closer to a straight lineshape in comparison to curves for the straight line shape SVA mode andthe chevron mode. Advantageously, the visibility in the display device100 of exemplary Embodiment 1 may be improved in comparison to thestraight line shape SVA mode and the chevron mode.

Exemplary Embodiment 2

FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a pixel electrode of an arraysubstrate according to exemplary Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, an array substrate and a display device accordingto exemplary Embodiment 2 are substantially the same as the arraysubstrate 101 and the display device 100 described in FIGS. 1 to 3,except that positions of zigzag portions 764 and 774 of first slitportions 765 and second slit portions 775 are changed. Accordingly,repetitive explanations will be omitted.

In the plan view, a unit pixel area is divided into an upper sub-pixelarea and a lower main pixel area. A pixel electrode 760 disposed in themain pixel area refers to a main pixel electrode (which is referred toas a first pixel electrode) 760, and the pixel electrode 770 disposed inthe sub-pixel area refers to a sub-pixel electrode (which is referred toas a second pixel electrode) 770, respectively.

In exemplary Embodiment 2, support electrode parts 762 and 772 arerespectively disposed in the main pixel area and the sub-pixel area tohave a substantially cross shape. The first slit portion 765 and thesecond slit portion 775 include straight line portions 766 and 776, andzigzag portions 764 and 774, respectively. First ends of the straightline portions 766 and 776 are extended directly from the supportelectrode parts 762 and 772 at a center portion of the main pixel areaand the sub-pixel area, respectively. The zigzag portions 764 and 774are extended from second ends opposing the first ends of the straightline portions 766 and 776, with zigzag shape, in areas A03 and A04. Theareas A03 and A04 are disposed at corners of the outer portion of theunit pixel area. An outer boundary of the areas A03 and A04 extends toan outer boundary of the first pixel electrode 760 and the second pixelelectrode 770, respectively, in contrast to the areas A01 and A02 inexemplary Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 3A.

The zigzag portions 764 and 774, and the straight line portions 766 and776 of each of the first pixel electrode 760 and the second pixelelectrode 770, are disposed continuous with each other, such that thefirst pixel electrode 760 and the second pixel electrode 770 are each asingle, continuous and indivisible member. A first end of the micro slitportions 765 and 775 may originate at the support electrode part 762 and772, while a second (distal) end is disposed near the boundary of thefirst pixel electrode 760 and the second pixel electrode 770,respectively.

Referring to FIG. 9, portions of the first pixel electrode 760 at endsof the support electrode part 762 and 772, may include the first slitportions 765 and second slit portions 775 disposed in a zigzag shape(e.g., bent at least once in an longitudinal direction of the first slitportion 765 and the second slit portion 775). In contrast, portions ofthe first pixel electrode 160 at ends of the support electrode part 162and 172 include the micro slit portions 165 and 175 disposed in asubstantially linear shape.

The reducing effect of the third efficiency and the increasing effect ofside visibility by the same due to the zigzag portions 764 and 774 in alow gray scale are substantially the same as described in FIGS. 1 to 3.Advantageously, the visibility in a display device including the pixelelectrode of exemplary Embodiment 2 may be improved.

Exemplary Embodiment 3

FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a pixel electrode of an arraysubstrate according to exemplary Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, an array substrate and a display device accordingto exemplary Embodiment 3 are substantially the same as the arraysubstrate 101 and the display device 100 described in FIGS. 1 to 3,except that all of first slit portions 965 and second slit portions 975are disposed in the zigzag shape. Accordingly, repetitive explanationswill be omitted.

In the plan view, a unit pixel area is divided into an upper sub-pixelarea and a lower main pixel area. A pixel electrode 960 disposed in themain pixel area refers to a main pixel electrode (which is referred toas a first pixel electrode) 960, and the pixel electrode 970 disposed inthe sub-pixel area refers to a sub-pixel electrode (which is referred toas a second pixel electrode) 970, respectively.

In exemplary Embodiment 3, support electrode parts 962 and 972 aredisposed in the main pixel area and the sub-pixel area to have asubstantially cross shape, respectively. The first slit portions 965 andthe second slit portions 975 are entirely disposed in the zigzag shape.

The reducing effect of the third efficiency and the increasing effect ofside visibility by the same due to the first slit portion 965 and thesecond slit portion 975 having the zigzag shape in the low gray scaleare substantially the same as described in FIGS. 1 to 3.

In exemplary Embodiment 3, since the area in which the zigzag isdisposed is increased, the reducing effect of the third efficiency dueto the first slit portion 965 and the second slit portion 975 having thezigzag shape in the low gray scale may be increased. Accordingly, it maybe preferable to make the angle of the zigzag less than those ofexemplary Embodiment 1 and exemplary Embodiment 2.

Exemplary Embodiment 4

FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a pixelelectrode of an array substrate according to exemplary Embodiment 4 ofthe present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11, an array substrate and a display device accordingto exemplary Embodiment 4 are substantially the same as the arraysubstrate and the display device described in FIGS. 1 to 3, except thatthe shape of the pixel electrode 1170 is changed and the visibility maybe improved by adjusting the second efficiency. Accordingly, repetitiveexplanations will be omitted.

In exemplary Embodiment 4, the pixel electrode 1170 is divided into fourdomains. The pixel electrode 1170 includes a support electrode part1171, a first slit portion 1174 and a second slit portion 1175. Thesupport electrode part 1171 includes a first support electrode 1173 anda second support electrode 1172. The first support electrode part 1173is disposed to an outer portion of the unit pixel area, such as formingan outer boundary around a periphery of the pixel electrode 1170. Thesecond support electrode part 1172 is disposed along a boundary whichthe domains meet each other, to have a substantially cross shape in theplan view. The support electrode part 1171, the first slit portion 1174and the second slit portion 1175 are disposed continuous with each otherto define a single, continuous and indivisible member of the pixelelectrode 1170.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first slit portion 1174 and thesecond slit portion 1175 are longitudinally extended in the firstoblique direction D03 or the second oblique direction D04 in eachdomain, and are symmetrically arranged between the domains with respectto the second support electrode part 1172. The first slit portion 1174is connected to the first support electrode 1173 and the second supportelectrode 1172, such that first and second ends of the first slitportion 1174 is continuous with the first support electrode 1173 and thesecond support electrode 1172.

In contrast, a second (distal) end of the second slit portion 1175 isseparated from the first support electrode part 1173 to be spaced apartfrom each other, but a first end of the second slit portion 1175 isconnected to and continuous with the second support electrode part 1172.The first slit portion 1174 and the second slit portion 1175 arealternately arranged within each of the domains.

An opening portion 1177 is disposed at an outer portion of the unitpixel area, and between the distal end of the second slit portion 1175and the first support electrode 1173. A width of the opening portion1177 taken substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction ofthe second slit portion 1175 is larger than a width of the first slitportion 1174 and the second slit portion 1175. A portion of a singlecontinuous opening portion 1177 is disposed adjacent to opposing sidesof each second slit portion 1175, such that a series of the openingportion 1177, the first slit portion 1174, the opening portion 1177 andthe second slit portion 1175 repeat across each domain.

FIG. 12A is an enlarged plan view illustrating an exemplary embodimentan outer area of the pixel electrode of FIG. 11 indicated as area A05.FIGS. 12B to 12D are enlarged plan views illustrating alternativeexemplary embodiments of opening portions. FIG. 13 is a graph showing anexemplary embodiment of a second efficiency in the display deviceincluding the pixel electrode of FIG. 11 and the display device of FIG.4.

In FIGS. 12B to 12D, alternative exemplary embodiments of the outer areaof a pixel electrode where a width of the opening 1177 is smaller than awidth shown in FIG. 12A. Where the width of the opening 1177 is toobroad, a controlling power of the liquid crystal may be lost. Asdescribed above, the width of the opening portion 1177 is takensubstantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the secondslit portion 1175. Accordingly, it is preferable to narrow the width ofthe opening 1177 as described in FIGS. 12B to 12D.

As illustrated in FIG. 12A, facing edges 1178 of adjacent first slitportions 1174 in an area adjacent to the first support electrode 1173 atthe outer area of the pixel electrode, are substantially linear andperpendicular to each other. A width of the opening 1177 at the distalend of the second slit portion 1175, is substantially the same as thewidth of the opening 1177 in the area adjacent to the first supportelectrode 1173 at the outer area of the pixel electrode.

In FIG. 12B, the edge 1178 of one of the adjacent first slit portions1174 includes a stepped portion in an area adjacent to the first supportelectrode 1173, which decreases the width of the opening 1177 in thearea adjacent to the first support electrode 1173. In FIG. 12C, the edge1178 of one of the adjacent first slit portions 1174 includes a inclinedportion protruded towards the opening 1177 in an area adjacent to thefirst support electrode 1173, which decreases the width of the opening1177 in the area adjacent to the first support electrode 1173. In FIG.12D, the facing edges 1178 of the adjacent first slit portions 1174 areboth inclined in a direction towards the first support electrode 1173,which decreases the width of the opening 1177 in the area adjacent tothe first support electrode 1173.

In FIG. 13, the horizontal axis of the graph is an azimuth angle of theliquid crystal molecules, and the vertical axis of the graph is a rateof liquid crystal molecules being in the corresponding azimuth angle.Referring to FIG. 13, the width of the second efficiency curve G93 ofthe described chevron display device 400 is narrower and higher than thewidth of the second efficiency curve G91 of the display device accordingto exemplary Embodiment 4. It can be concluded from the resultillustrated in FIG. 13, that the second efficiency of the liquid crystalis reduced, due to the opening portion 1177, in the medium gray scale.

The second efficiency refers to a degree to which the direction of theliquid crystal is changed from vertical direction toward horizontaldirection by the electric field formed between the pixel electrode 1170and the common electrode. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the opening portion1177 weakens the control power of the liquid crystal to control theliquid crystal in a certain state, such as to be not entirely black ornot entirely white.

Referring again to FIGS. 7 and 8 again, referring to curve G54representing the second efficiency in front of the display device, andcurve G74 representing the second efficiency of the side of the displaydevice according to exemplary Embodiment 4, it can be seen that thesecond efficiency is reduced due to the opening portion 1177 in themedium gray scale.

In the display device of exemplary Embodiment 4, it can be observed thatthe slope of the curve G54 having the rapidly changing slope and theslope of the straight line shape curve G74 having the comparativelyconstant slope, is substantially close to the second efficiency of thechevron mode, in the second efficiency curve. Accordingly, it can beseen that the second efficiency of exemplary Embodiment 4 is closer tobeing a straight line shape, so that side visibility may be improvedaccording to exemplary Embodiment 4.

Exemplary Embodiment 5

FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating a pixel electrode of an arraysubstrate according to exemplary Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14, an array substrate and a display device accordingto exemplary Embodiment 5 are substantially the same as the arraysubstrate and the display device described in FIGS. 11 to 13, exceptthat the position, on which an opening 1377 is disposed, is changed inthe area A06 to be adjacent to the second support electrode part 1372.Accordingly, repetitive explanations will be omitted.

In exemplary Embodiment 5, the pixel electrode 1370 is divided into fourdomains. The pixel electrode 1370 includes a support electrode part1371, a first slit portion 1374 and a second slit portion 1375. Thesupport electrode part 1371 includes a first support electrode 1373 anda second support electrode 1372. The first support electrode part 1373is disposed to an outer portion of the unit pixel area, such as formingan outer boundary around a periphery of the pixel electrode 1370. Thesecond support electrode part 1372 is disposed along a boundary whichthe domains meet each other, to have a substantially cross shape in theplan view. The support electrode part 1371, the first slit portion 1374and the second slit portion 1375 are disposed continuous with each otherto define a single, continuous and indivisible member of the pixelelectrode 1370.

In exemplary Embodiment 5, a first end of the second slit portion 1375is connected to and continuous with the first support electrode part1373, and a second (distal) end of the second slit portion 1375 isspaced apart from the second support electrode part 1372. The secondends of the second slit portions 1375 are disposed spaced apart from thesecond support electrode part 1372 at an inner portion of the unit pixelarea. The second support electrode 1372 has a cross shape and serves todivide the unit pixel area into a plurality of domains. The openingportion 1377 is disposed between the second (distal) end of the secondslit portion 1375 and the second support part 1372. The opening portion1377 is substantially arranged along and directly adjacent to the crossin the unit pixel area formed by the second support electrode 1372. Thereducing effect of the second efficiency and the increasing effect ofside visibility by the same, due to the opening portion 1377 in themedium gray scale, are substantially the same as the described in FIGS.11 to 13. Accordingly, repetitive explanations will be omitted.

Exemplary Embodiment 6

FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating a pixel electrode of an arraysubstrate according to exemplary Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 15, an array substrate and a display device accordingto exemplary Embodiment 6 are substantially the same as the arraysubstrate and the display device described in FIGS. 11 to 13, exceptthat portions of a first slit portion 1574 and a second slit portion1575 are disposed in the zigzag shape. Accordingly, repetitiveexplanations will be omitted.

In exemplary Embodiment 6, the pixel electrode 1570 is divided into fourdomains. The pixel electrode 1570 includes a support electrode part1571, the first slit portion 1574 and the second slit portion 1575. Thesupport electrode part 1571 includes a first support electrode 1573 anda second support electrode 1572. The support electrode part 1571, thefirst slit portion 1574 and the second slit portion 1575 are disposedcontinuous with each other to define a single, continuous andindivisible member of the pixel electrode 1570.

In exemplary Embodiment 6, the first slit portion 1574 and the secondslit portion 1575 are partially disposed in the zigzag shape in areas tothe center portion of a second support electrode part 1572 of the crossshape, and are connected to and continuous with the second supportelectrode part 1572. The first slit portion 1574 is connected to andcontinuous with both the first support electrode part 1573 disposed tothe outer portion of the unit pixel area, and the second supportelectrode part 1572. A first end of the second slit portion 1575 isdisposed continuous with the second support electrode part 1572, and asecond (distal) end of the second slit portion 1575 is disposedseparated from the first support electrode 1573, to be spaced apart fromeach other.

An opening portion 1577 is disposed between the second end of the secondslit portion 1575 and the first electrode support part 1573. Thereducing effect of the second efficiency and the increasing effect ofside visibility by the same, due to the opening portion 1577 in themedium gray scale, are substantially the same as the described in FIGS.11 to 13. Accordingly, repetitive explanations will be omitted.

In addition, since the first slit portion 1574 and the second slitportion 1575 are partially disposed in the zigzag shape, the reducingeffect of the third efficiency and the increasing effect of sidevisibility by the same in the low gray scale are substantially the sameas described in FIGS. 1 to 8. Advantageously, the array substrate andthe display device of exemplary Embodiment 6 reduce the third efficiencyof the liquid crystal in the low gray scale and the second efficiency ofthe liquid crystal in the medium gray scale, so that side visibility maybe improved.

Exemplary Embodiment 7

FIG. 16 is a plan view illustrating a pixel electrode of an arraysubstrate according to exemplary Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 16, an array substrate and a display device accordingto exemplary Embodiment 7 are substantially the same as the arraysubstrate and the display device described in FIGS. 11 to 13, exceptthat portions of a first slit portion 1774 and a second slit portion1775 are disposed in the zigzag shape. Accordingly, repetitiveexplanations will be omitted.

In exemplary Embodiment 7, the pixel electrode 1770 is divided into fourdomains. The pixel electrode 1770 includes a support electrode part1771, the first slit portion 1774 and the second slit portion 1775. Thesupport electrode part 1771 includes a first support electrode 1773 anda second support electrode 1772. The support electrode part 1771, thefirst slit portion 1774 and the second slit portion 1775 are disposedcontinuous with each other to define a single, continuous andindivisible member of the pixel electrode 1770.

In exemplary Embodiment 7, the first slit portion 1774 and the secondslit portion 1775 are partially disposed with zigzag shape in areasadjacent to corners of the outer portion of the unit pixel area, and areconnected to and continuous with the first support electrode part 1773.The first slit portion 1774 is connected to and continuous with both thefirst support electrode part 1773 and the second support electrode 1772of the cross shape. A first end of the second slit portion 1775 iscontinuous with the first support electrode part 1173, and a second(distal) end of the second slit portion 1775 is separated from thesecond support electrode 1772 to be spaced apart from each other.

The reducing effect of the second efficiency and the increasing effectof side visibility by the same, due to an opening portion 1777 in themedium gray scale, are substantially the same as the described in FIGS.11 to 13. Accordingly, repetitive explanations will be omitted.

In addition, since the first slit portion 1774 and the second slitportion 1775 partially have the zigzag shape, the reducing effect of thethird efficiency and the increasing effect of side visibility by thesame in the low gray scale are substantially the same as described inFIGS. 1 to 8. Advantageously, the array substrate and the display deviceof exemplary Embodiment 7 reduces the third efficiency of the liquidcrystal in the low gray scale and the second efficiency of the liquidcrystal in the medium gray scale, so that side visibility may beimproved.

Exemplary Embodiment 8

FIG. 17 is a plan view illustrating a pixel of an array substrateaccording to exemplary Embodiment 8 of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 17, an array substrate 2101 and a display deviceaccording to exemplary Embodiment 8 are substantially the same as thearray substrate 101 and the display device 100 of previously describedexemplary embodiments, except that a whole of a first slit portion 2165and a second slit portion 2175 are disposed extending substantiallylinearly, areas of top domain UPD01 and the bottom domain UPD02 aredifferent from each other in a main pixel area, and an angle Φ3 of thefirst slit portion 2165 from the first direction D01 is less than about45 degrees. Accordingly, repetitive explanations will be omitted.

In the plan view, the unit pixel area is divided into an upper sub-pixelarea and a lower main pixel area. The pixel electrode 2160 disposed inthe main pixel area refers to a main pixel electrode (which is referredto as a first pixel electrode) 2160 and the pixel electrode 2170disposed in the sub-pixel area refers to a sub-pixel electrode (which isreferred to as a second pixel electrode) 2170, respectively. To definethe plurality of domains, the first pixel electrode 2160 and the secondpixel electrode 2170 include support electrode parts 2162 and 2172, andthe first and second slit portions 2165 and 2175, respectively.

The array substrate 2101 may include a lower substrate, a plurality of agate line 2111, a plurality of a storage line 2111, a gate insulationfilm, an active layer, a plurality of a data line 2131, a firstswitching element TFT01, a second switching element TFT02, a passivationfilm, an organic insulation film, a plurality of the first pixelelectrode 2160, a plurality of the second pixel electrode 2170 and alower alignment film.

The first switching element TFT01 and the second switching element TFT02may be defined as an element including three terminals. In theillustrated embodiment, the first switching element TFT01 includes agate electrode 2112, the gate insulation film, the channel layer, thesource electrode 2132 and the drain electrode 2135. Similarly, thesecond switching element TFT02 includes a gate electrode 2114, the gateinsulation film, the channel layer, a source electrode 2134 and a drainelectrode 2137. The gate electrodes 2112 and 2114 are disposedcontinuous with a single gate line 2111. The source electrode 2134protrudes from the longitudinally extended portion of the data line2131, and is disposed continuous with the data line 2131 as illustratedin FIG. 17. Both the first switching element TFT01 and the secondswitching element TFT02 are disposed between adjacent data lines 2131 inthe plan view, and between a gate line 2111 and a storage line 2118adjacent to each other.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating directions of liquid crystal moleculesand the size of domains in a main pixel area of FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is agray scale-transmittance graph in accordance with a direction ofobserving the main pixel area of FIG. 18.

Referring to FIG. 18, a planar area of a lower domain UPD02 in the mainpixel area is larger than an area of an upper domain UPD01 directlyadjacent to the sub-pixel area, as shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 18 schematically represents an exemplary embodiment of a ratio ofareas of the top domain UPD01 and bottom domain UPD02 of the main pixelarea. The graph shown in FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary embodiment ofan observed result of the gray scale transmittance according to theratio of the areas of the top and bottom domains. In the FIG. 19, curveG110 is a G-T result from observing the main pixel area at the viewingangle of the upper side and the lower side 60 degrees, when the ratio ofthe areas is 5:5. Curve G111 is a G-T result from observing in front ofthe main pixel area, regardless of the ratio of the areas. Curve G112 isa G-T result from observing the main pixel area at the viewing angle ofthe bottom side 60 degrees, when the ratio of the areas is 4:6. CurveG113 is a G-T result from observing the main pixel area at a viewingangle of 60 degrees toward the top, when the ratio of the areas is 4:6.

As shown in FIG. 18, when the area of the two domains when viewed fromthe top is narrowed and the area of the two domains of the bottom sideis widened, forms of gamma (γ) curves observed from the top and bottomare made to differ. Specifically, the gamma curve from the top ischanged into a darker side and the gamma curve in the bottom side ischanged into a brighter side.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of directionsof liquid crystal molecules in the main pixel area of FIG. 18. FIG. 21is an exemplary embodiment of a gray scale-transmittance graph inaccordance with a direction of observing the main pixel area of FIG. 20.

Referring to FIG. 20, the first slit portion 2165 is formed to berotated about 10 degrees from the direction of about 45 degrees or about135 degrees from the polarized axis direction (namely, the firstdirection D01) of the polarized substrate (for example, the firstoblique direction D03 or the second oblique direction D04) toward thefirst direction D01. When the electric field is applied to the liquidcrystal layer, the direction of liquid crystal 2104 is substantially ina line arranged to the first slit portion 2165.

Referring to FIG. 21, curve G211 is a G-T result from observing in frontof the main pixel area. Curve G214 is a G-T result from observing at aviewing angle of 60 degrees toward the top and bottom, when angle Φ3 ofthe first slit portion 2165 is about 45 degrees from the polarized axis,that is, the first direction D01. Curve G212 is a G-T result fromobserving at a viewing angle of 60 degrees toward the top and bottom,when angle Φ3 of the first slit portion 2165 has an angle between about35 degrees and about 45 degrees (e.g., rotated about 10 degrees) fromthe first direction D01. Curve G213 is a G-T result from observing themain pixel area shown in FIGS. 17 and 20 at a viewing angle of angle of60 degrees to the left and right.

Referring to the curves, when angle Φ3 of the liquid crystal 2104 isrotated or lower than 45 degrees, a form of the gamma curve observedfrom the top and bottom is made to differ. Specifically, in the upperside the gamma curve is moved to the brighter side and in the lower sidethe gamma curve is moved to the darker side.

FIG. 22 is a graph showing an exemplary embodiment of a visibility indexwhen the pixel of FIG. 17 is observed at each azimuth angle at a viewingangle of about 60 degrees.

As described above, viewing angle characteristics are changed accordingto adjustments of the size ratio of the domains and the azimuth angle ofthe liquid crystal are combined, so that improved side visibility may beobtained in comparison to conventional side visibility.

To determine the optimum pixel structure, the low pixel, namely, thesecond electrode 2170 is formed with substantially the same conditionsas conventional conditions.

As conventional conditions, the upper and lower domains in the secondpixel electrode 2170 have substantially the same size (e.g., area), andthe second slit portion 2175 are disposed extended at about 45 degreesfrom the first direction D01 on the second pixel electrode 2170. In theillustrated exemplary embodiment, the size (e.g., area) ratio of theupper and the lower domains UP01 and UP02 in the high pixel, namely, thefirst pixel electrode 2160 is adjusted to be different from each other,and angle Φ3 the first slit portion 2165 are disposed extended to bebetween about 35 degrees and about 45 degrees from the first directionD01.

FIG. 22 illustrates the visibility index for each azimuth angle, whenthe display device changing the shape of the first pixel electrode 2160is observed at the viewing angle of 60 degrees, as described above. Whenthe visibility index is gradually lower, the display quality may beimproved.

Referring to FIG. 22, curve G312 illustrates the azimuthangle-visibility index measurement results when the size (e.g., area)ratio of the high pixel and the low pixel is 2.5:1 in the S-PVAdescribed in FIG. 4, the low pixel includes four domains having the samesize, and the azimuth of the liquid crystal is 45 degrees from the firstdirection D01 in a case in which the electric field is applied.

Curve G313 illustrates the azimuth angle-visibility index measurementresults when sizes of two domains of the top domain UPD01 of the firstpixel electrode 2160 are relatively small and sizes of two domains ofthe bottom domain UP02 of the first pixel electrode 2160 are relativelylarge as shown in FIG. 17.

Curve G311 illustrates the azimuth angle-visibility index measurementresults when the azimuth angle of the liquid crystal due to the azimuthangle of the first slit portions 2165 becomes 40 degrees from the firstdirection D01 as shown in FIG. 17.

First, with comparing curve G313 with curve G311, in curve G311, thevisibility indexes to the left and right are remarkably reduced toimprove the visibility. However, the visibility indexes when viewed fromthe top and bottom are remarkably increased. In addition, when the sizeratio of the upper and lower domains of the first pixel electrode 2160is changed into 3:7 in such a state, the visibility index in alldirections except for the bottom side is more reduced than theconventional index to obtain the excellent visibility, as shown in curveG313. According to exemplary Embodiment 8, instead of losing thevisibility of the bottom side, side visibility of other directions maybe largely improved. Test examples about the size ratio of the domainsand the azimuth angle of the slit portion (namely, the azimuth angle ofthe liquid crystal) are illustrated, referring to the following Table 1.

TABLE 1 High Pixel Low Pixel UDS LDS ULA LLA UDS LDS ULA LLA (%) (%) (°)(°) (%) (%) (°) (°) OTE1 30 70 40 40 50 50 45 45 OTE2 45 to 55 to 40 to35 to 43 50 to 60 40 to 50 45 45 25 75 45 TE1 50 50 40 40 50 50 45 45TE2 40 60 40 40 60 40 45 45 TE3 40 60 45   37.5 60 40 45 45 TE4 40 60 4040 60 40 40 40

In Table 1, OTE1 represents an optimum test exemplary embodiment, OTE2represents a range of an optimum embodiment, TE1 represents a first testexemplary embodiment 1, TE2 represents a second test exemplaryembodiment 2, TE3 represents a third test exemplary embodiment 3, andTE4 represents a fourth test exemplary embodiment 4. In addition, inTable 1, UDS represents an upper domain size, LDS represents a lowerdomain size, ULA represents an upper liquid crystal angle, and LLArepresents a lower liquid crystal angle.

Referring to Table 1, the suitable test exemplary that loses thevisibility of the bottom side and remarkably improves the visibilitywhen viewed from the top is illustrated as the test exemplary of thebest mode. In Table 1, it is preferable that the size ratio of the topand bottom domains be set to about 3:7 in the high pixel (namely, thefirst pixel electrode 2160) and the azimuth angle Φ3 of the liquidcrystal set to about 40 degrees.

Exemplary Embodiment 9

FIG. 23 is a plan view illustrating a pixel of the display device 2400according to exemplary Embodiment 9 of the present invention.

The display device 2400 may include an array substrate, which mayinclude a lower substrate, a plurality of a gate line 2411, a pluralityof a storage line 2418, a gate insulation film, an active layer, aplurality of a data line 2431, a first switching element TFT01, a secondswitching element TFT02, a passivation film, an organic insulation film,a plurality of a pixel electrode 2470 and a lower alignment film.

The first switching element TFT01 and the second switching element TFT02may be defined as an element including three terminals. In theillustrated embodiment, the first switching element TFT01 includes agate electrode 2412, the gate insulation film, the channel layer, thesource electrode 2432 and the drain electrode 2435. Similarly, thesecond switching element TFT02 includes a gate electrode 2414, the gateinsulation film, the channel layer, a source electrode 2434 and a drainelectrode 2437.

The pixel electrode 2470 is divided into a high pixel and a low pixel bythe first slits 2470. Second slits 2551 positioned between the firstslits 2470 are disposed extending in an oblique direction in the commonelectrode. Edges of the second slits 2551 may include notches 2553disposed therein, to extend from the edge into a body of the commonelectrode, or from the edge outwardly.

Referring FIG. 23, an array substrate and a display device 2400according to exemplary Embodiment 9 are substantially the same as thechevron display device 400 shown in FIG. 4, except that the azimuthangle Φ4 of the second slit 2551 disposed on the common electrode ischanged, and the longitudinal centers of the second slits 2551 isdeparted from the center line of the unit pixel area in the firstdirection D01, further than the second slits 551 in FIG. 4.

The display device 2400 of exemplary Embodiment 9 includes an arraysubstrate, an opposite substrate and a liquid crystal layer. The arraysubstrate includes pixel electrode 2460. The pixel electrode 2460includes first slits 2470. The first slits 2470 are symmetricallydisposed with respect to the center line substantially parallel to thefirst direction D01, and are formed to have a first acute angle greaterthan or equal to about 45 degrees with respect to the center line.

The opposite substrate includes the common electrode including thesecond slits 2551. The angle of the second slit 2551 is a second acuteangle, greater than about 45 degrees with respect to the center line,and greater than or equal to the first acute angle. In addition, thesecond slits 2551 are arranged between the first slits 2470 in the planview, such that the first slits 2470 and the second slits 2551 alternatewith each other in the unit pixel area. The liquid crystal layer isdisposed between the array substrate and the opposite substrate.

The longitudinal centers of each of the second slits 2551 disposedextending to both sides of the center line are disposed to be spacedapart from the center line further than the second slits 551 in FIG. 4.A size of an area between the first slit 2470 and the second slit 2551varies in a direction from the center line and towards distal ends ofthe first and second slits 2470 and 2551. As illustrated in FIG. 23, aplanar area between a first slit 2470 and an adjacent second slit 2551decreases in a direction from the center line of the unit pixel areatoward distal ends of the first and second slits 2470 and 2551. Thesecond acute angle of the second slit 2551 may be greater than 45degrees and less than or equal to than 60 degrees. In an exemplaryembodiment, the pixel electrode 2460 may include the high pixel (namely,the first pixel electrode) and the low pixel (namely, the second pixelelectrode) divided by the first slit 2470. The first pixel electrode mayhave a substantially V-shape.

According to the array substrate and the display device 2400 ofexemplary Embodiment 9, the angle and the position of the center portionof the first slit 2470 and the second slit 2551 are adjusted, so thatthe ratio of the areas of the top and bottom domains is consequentlyadjusted. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, angle Φ4 of thesecond slit 2551 may be in a range between about 45 degrees and about 60degrees from the first direction D01. Advantageously, the direction ofthe liquid crystal molecules is changed.

According to exemplary Embodiment 9, the visibility of the left-rightdirection or the left-right and up-down direction, may be improved.

According to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, theside visibility of a display device may be improved. Advantageously, thepresent invention may improve the display quality of the LCD device.

The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to beconstrued as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention have been described, those skilled in the art willreadily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplaryembodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings andadvantages of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the present invention asdefined in the claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses areintended to cover the structures described herein as performing therecited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalentstructures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing isillustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed aslimited to the specific exemplary embodiments disclosed, and thatmodifications to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, as well as otherexemplary embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope ofthe appended claims. The present invention is defined by the followingclaims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.

1. An array substrate comprising: a lower substrate including unit pixelareas each divided into a plurality of domains; a switching elementdisposed on the lower substrate and which transmits a pixel signal; anda pixel electrode disposed on the unit pixel area electrically connectedto the switching element, the pixel electrode including a plurality of aslit portion, a portion of the slit portions extended in a zigzag shapealong different directions with respect to the domains in a unit pixelarea.
 2. The array substrate of claim 1, wherein the pixel electrodefurther comprises a support electrode part longitudinally extended alonga boundary between adjacent domains of the unit pixel area, and disposedcontinuous with the slit portions, and the slit portions aresymmetrically arranged with respect to the support electrode part. 3.The array substrate of claim 2, wherein the pixel electrode furthercomprises a first pixel electrode and a second pixel electrode disposedin a main pixel area of the unit pixel area and a sub-pixel area of theunit pixel area, respectively, and each of the first and second pixelelectrodes comprises the support electrode part and the slit portions.4. The array substrate of claim 3, wherein the slit portion comprises: azigzag portion directly extended from the support electrode part in acenter portion of the main pixel area and a center portion of thesub-pixel area in the zigzag shape; and a straight line portion extendeddirectly from the zigzag portion to an outer portion of the unit pixelarea in a straight line shape, the zigzag portion and the straight lineportion disposed continuous with each other.
 5. The array substrate ofclaim 3, wherein the slit portion comprises: a straight line portiondirectly extended from the support electrode part in a center portion ofthe main pixel area and a center portion of the sub-pixel area in astraight line shape; and a zigzag portion directly extended from thestraight line portion to an outer portion of the unit pixel area in thezigzag shape, the straight line portion and the zigzag portion disposedcontinuous with each other.
 6. The array substrate of claim 3, whereinan entire of the slit portion is directly extended from the supportelectrode part to an outer portion of the unit pixel area in the zigzagshape.
 7. An array substrate comprising: a lower substrate includingunit pixel areas each divided into a plurality of domains; a switchingelement disposed on the lower substrate and which transmits a pixelsignal; and a pixel electrode disposed on a unit pixel area, the pixelelectrode comprising: a first support electrode part longitudinallyextended along a boundary of the domains; a plurality of first slitportions longitudinally extended in different directions with respect toeach of the domains, each of the first slit portions disposed continuouswith the first support electrode part; and a plurality of second slitportions disposed between the first slit portions in a plan view of theunit pixel area, a distal end of each of the second slit portions beingdisposed separated from the first support electrode part.
 8. The arraysubstrate of claim 7, wherein the first support electrode part isdisposed along an outer boundary of the unit pixel area, and the firstslit portion and the second slit portion are alternately disposed in theplan view of the unit pixel area.
 9. The array substrate of claim 8,further comprising a second support electrode part disposed along aboundary dividing the unit pixel area into the domains, and disposedcontinuous with both the first slit portions and the second slitportions.
 10. The array substrate of claim 9, wherein a portion of boththe first slit portions and the second slit portions are disposed in anarea directly adjacent to a center portion of the unit pixel area in azigzag shape.
 11. The array substrate of claim 8, wherein a widthbetween adjacent first slit portions adjacent to the first supportelectrode part is smaller than a width between the adjacent first slitportions adjacent to the distal end of the second slit portion disposedseparated from the first support electrode part, the widths taken in adirection substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of thefirst slit portions.
 12. The array substrate of claim 7, wherein thefirst support electrode part is disposed along a boundary dividing theunit pixel area into the domains, and the first slit portion and thesecond slit portion are alternately disposed in the plan view of theunit pixel area.
 13. The array substrate of claim 12, further comprisinga second support electrode part disposed along an outer boundary of theunit pixel area, and disposed continuous with both the first slitportion and the second slit portion.
 14. The array substrate of claim13, wherein a portion of both the first slit portions and the secondslit portions are disposed in an area directly adjacent to a corner ofthe outer portion of the unit pixel area in a zigzag shape.
 15. An arraysubstrate comprising: a lower substrate including unit pixel areas eachdivided into a main pixel area and a sub-pixel area; a switching elementdisposed on the lower substrate and which transmits a pixel signal; afirst pixel electrode disposed in the main pixel area of the unit pixelarea and divided into a plurality of domains, the first pixel electrodecomprising: a plurality of first slit portions longitudinally extendedin different directions according to each of the domains, each of thefirst slit portions disposed at a first angle with respect to atransverse direction of the unit pixel area, an area of a lower domainof the first pixel electrode and an area of an upper domain of the firstpixel electrode directly adjacent to the sub-pixel area of the unitpixel area, are different from each other; and a second pixel electrodedisposed in the sub-pixel area of the unit pixel area, the second pixelelectrode comprising: a plurality of second slit portions longitudinallyextended in different directions from each other, each of the secondslit portions disposed at a second angle with respect to the transversedirection of the unit pixel area.
 16. The array substrate of claim 15,wherein the area of the lower domain is substantially greater than thearea of the upper domain in the first pixel electrode, and the firstangle is substantially smaller than the second angle.
 17. The arraysubstrate of claim 16, wherein the second angle is about 45 degrees, andthe first angle is smaller than about 45 degrees and greater than orequal to about 35 degrees.
 18. A display device comprising: an arraysubstrate comprising a pixel electrode symmetrically disposed withrespect to a center line substantially parallel to a first direction,the pixel electrode including a plurality of first slits disposed at afirst acute angle greater than or equal to about 45 degrees with respectto the center line; an opposite substrate comprising a common electrodefacing the pixel electrode, the common electrode including a pluralityof second slits disposed at a second acute angle greater than or equalto about 45 degrees with respect to the center line, the second slitsdisposed between the first slits in a plan view of the display device;and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the array substrate and theopposite substrate, wherein a distance between adjacent first and secondslits disposed at both of opposing sides of the center line in the planview of the display device, varies in a direction from an area adjacentto the center line towards ends of the first and second slits.
 19. Thedisplay device of claim 18, wherein the distance between the adjacentfirst and the second slits decreases in the direction from the areaadjacent to the center line towards the ends of the first and secondslits.
 20. The display device of claim 19, wherein the pixel electrodecomprises a first pixel electrode and a second pixel electrode dividedby the first slit, and the first pixel electrode has a substantiallyV-shape.